What empowers you? Is it different from what empowers others?

In my life, finding places where everyone was equal and no one judged was empowering. I could speak when it was my turn to speak, and not be afraid people would stomp on me. This was true musically and in workshops, conversations, dances and more. It became a principle of my life.

I’m not sure how I am different from others, but I do sense that they have something inside that empowers them. Something I don’t have. Of course, they may also have certain advantages—money, heritage, whatever—that help them to feel entitled to power.

What empowers you? How does that fit with the way you think others are empowered—similar? Different? Where does empowerment come from, if you had to generalize? Is it good? Can there be too much of it? Is it important to empower others, or is that their job? Should you block people who want to empower themselves? Do they take from you if they are empowered?